I got through to a "human" voice at last.
I was informed that the dispute
Was opened but instantly closed again because the transaction was more than 45 days before I opened the dispute.
The advice on how to handle my dispute led to a dead end which read "no open case"
The lady on the 'phone said there was little she could do as the case was closed but the "Vendor" had been contacted to say that I had opened a dispute.
Would anyone like to buy a pink elephant (Only £3,000)? I accept payment by PayPal. Please allow at least 5 weeks for delivery and contact me if you have any problem.